Scarborough Acute Services Review: Views on a need for change

Healthwatch North Yorkshire gathered feedback from 100 people between April 2019 and January 2020 about the Scarborough Acute Services Review and proposals affecting services at the Friarage Hospital. Many respondents were concerned about the future of urgent and emergency care and felt the consultation had not been promoted widely enough. Most people preferred retaining a 24-hour urgent care service and expressed concern about any further reduction in local hospital provision. 

The strongest theme was the importance of local access to healthcare. Respondents were worried that service changes would increase travel to hospitals such as James Cook, York or Darlington, creating difficulties for older people, rural communities, people with long-term conditions and families visiting patients. Travel costs, poor public transport links and the impact on carers and relatives were raised repeatedly. 

Workforce shortages were another major concern. People called for better recruitment and retention of staff through improved working conditions, training opportunities and greater support for existing employees. Many also highlighted the need for better communication and joined-up working between hospitals, GP practices, social care and community services, citing cancelled appointments, referral problems and poor information sharing. 

Healthwatch concluded that local people’s priorities were maintaining access to local services, addressing staffing shortages, improving communication and reducing the burden of travel. Additional concerns were raised about access to urgent mental health support following service changes. Overall, respondents wanted future decisions to focus on preserving quality care while recognising the needs of a rural and ageing population.